Title of article :
Strengthening Research and Practice in Community Health Systems: A Research Agenda and Manifesto
Author/Authors :
Tetui ، Moses School of Pharmacy - University of Waterloo , Hurtig ، Anna-Karin Department of Epidemiology and Global Health - Umeå University , Jonsson ، Frida Department of Epidemiology and Global Health - Umeå University , Whyle ، Eleanor School of Public Health Family Medicine (SPHFM) - University of Cape Town , Zulu ، Joseph School of Public Health Family Medicine (SPHFM) - University of Cape Town , Schneider ، Helen School of Public Health, South African Medical Research Council Health Services to Systems Unit - University of the Western Cape , Hernandez ، Alison Centre for the Study of Equity and Governance in Health Systems , The Chaminuka Collective ، of the Chaminuka Collective is provided at the end of the article , Goicolea ، Isabel Department of Epidemiology and Global Health - Umeå University , Michelo ، Charles School of Public Health - University of Zambia , Chavula ، Paul Malizgani School of Public Health - University of Zambia , Silumbwe ، Adam School of Public Health - University of Zambia , Chibwe ، Kasapo School of Public Health - University of Zambia , Sitali ، Doreen School of Public Health - University of Zambia , Mulumbwa ، Chama School of Public Health - University of Zambia , Munakampe ، Margarate School of Public Health - University of Zambia , Zulu ، Wanga School of Public Health - University of Zambia , Sebastian ، Miguel San Department of Epidemiology and Global Health - Umeå University , Lehmann ، Uta School of Public Health - University of the Western Cape , Assegaai ، Tumelo School of Public Health - University of the Western Cape , Brady ، Leanne School of Public Health Family Medicine - University of Cape Town , Louskieter ، Lance School of Public Health Family Medicine - University of Cape Town , Olivier ، Jill School of Public Health Family Medicine - University of Cape Town , Orgill ، Marsha School of Public Health Family Medicine - University of Cape Town , Nathaneal ، Sirili School of Public Health and Social Sciences - Muhimbili University
Abstract :
While there have been increased calls for strengthening community health systems (CHSs), key priorities for this field have not been fully articulated. This paper seeks to fill this gap, presenting a collaboratively defined research agenda, accompanied by a ‘manifesto’ on strengthening research and practice in the CHS. The CHS research agenda domains were developed through a modified concept mapping process with a team of 33 experts on the CHS including policy-makers, implementers and researchers from institutions in six countries: Uganda, Guatemala, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania and Zambia. The process began remotely with brainstorming research priorities and concluded in a one-week workshop that was held in Zambia where priorities for strengthening CHS were discussed, grouped into domains, interpreted, and drafted into a collective declaration. Eight domains of research priorities for CHSs were identified: clarifying the purpose and values of the CHS, ensure inclusivity; design, implementation and monitoring of strategies to strengthen the CHS; social, political and historical contexts of CHS; community health workers (CHWs); social accountability; the interface between the CHS and the broader health system; governance and stewardship; and finally, the ethical methodologies for researching the CHS. By harnessing a set of diverse and rich experiences and perspectives on CHS through a structured process, a multifaceted research agenda and manifesto that transcend context, disciplines and time were developed. We posit this as an entry into greater debate and diversity in the field as we continue to find ways to strengthen research and practice in the CHS.
Keywords :
Community Health Systems , Priority Setting , Research Agenda , Multi , disciplinary , Diverse Contexts
Journal title :
International Journal of Health Policy and Management(IJHPM)
Journal title :
International Journal of Health Policy and Management(IJHPM)
